The number of Boko Haram terrorists who perished in their ill-fated attempt to capture a military base in Biu, Borno State, has been put at 78.

Hundreds of terrorists, including mercenaries, had in the early hours of Wednesday attempted to over-run Biu but, as was previously reported by News Express, were repelled by gallant Nigerian troops from expanding their operational bases and capturing weapons.

A report this afternoon by PRNigeria disclosed that among the terrorists who were killed and captured during a pursuit by the military were those of foreign nationalities. Two Anti-Aircraft Guns were captured from the terrorists during the operation, the report said.

PRNigeria quoted competent military sources as disclosing that as at this afternoon, at least 78 bodies of the terrorists have been counted.

News Express is in possession of pictorial evidence of the massacred terrorists but has a policy of not publishing nude or dead bodies.

When contacted, Defence Spokesman, Major General Chris Olukolade, declined to comment on Boko Haram casualty figure, telling PRNigeria that the military is more concerned about the success of the operations than the figures of the terrorists killed during the encounters.

Olukolade nevertheless confirmed that mopping up exercise in the area continued. He was quoted as saying: “What is important now is for us to consolidate on the victory, recapture areas where the terrorists are presently operating and restore peace to the entire North-East.”

•Photo shows one of Boko Haram’s vehicles captured during the battle.